Clone is a slang term used primarily in gay male culture to describe a man, often from urban centers such as San Francisco or New York, who adopts an exaggeratedly macho appearance and mannerisms. The style became prominent in the 1970s and 1980s, influenced by hypermasculine imagery from leather subculture, pornography, and blue-collar archetypes such as construction workers or bikers. Typical features include muscular build, facial hair, short haircuts, and clothing such as jeans, boots, and flannel shirts, projecting a rugged, traditionally masculine image.

What is the origin and meaning of the word "clone"?

clone

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Flower is a slang term for an effeminate gay man, often one seen as delicate, gentle, or refined in manner. The term appeared in early–mid 20th-century English, drawing on the metaphor of a flower as something soft, beautiful, or fragile. Historically, it could be playfully affectionate or lightly mocking, depending on context, and was often used within gay communities to describe men who embraced femininity. Today, it is mostly historical and can feel outdated or patronizing if used outside familiar or historical discussions, though in some queer circles it may still be used affectionately.

What is the origin of the term "flower" and how is it used?

flower

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Gaysian is a portmanteau of "gay" and "Asian" used to describe a gay person of Asian descent. The term is used both descriptively and as a form of self-identification within LGBTQ communities, particularly in contexts where ethnicity and sexuality intersect. It can be used in discussions of representation, dating culture, and shared experiences among queer Asians.

What is the origin and meaning of the word "gaysian"?

gaysian

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Twink is a slang term that appeared in late 20th-century gay communities, especially in North America, to describe a young, slim, and often boyish gay man. The word likely comes from Twinkie, the snack cake, suggesting something sweet, soft, and appealing, metaphorically applied to youthful, attractive men. The term is primarily descriptive rather than insulting, used within gay communities to categorize appearance and style, though it can carry a slightly teasing or sexualized tone. Outside LGBTQ+ contexts, it may be confusing or sound crude.

What is the origin of the term "twink" and how is it used?

twink

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Bear is a slang term that appeared in mid–20th-century gay communities, particularly in North America, to describe a large, hairy gay man, often with a beard. The term comes from the animal "bear," highlighting physical size, hairiness, and rugged masculinity. Unlike many other gay slang terms, bear is generally neutral or positive within LGBTQ+ culture, often used as a badge of pride or identity. Outside those communities, it may be used descriptively, though tone matters, and it is rarely considered insulting.

What is the origin of the term "bear" and how is it used?

bear

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Otter refers to a gay man who is slim or medium-built and has noticeable body hair. The term is part of the bear community's extended classification system, describing men who share some traits with bears but have a leaner physique. Otters may also be younger or less heavily built than bears, and the label is often used informally in dating and social contexts.

What is the origin and meaning of the word "otter"?

otter

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In gay slang, a bull is a very muscular, bodybuilder-type gay man, typically weighing over 200 pounds and emphasizing strength and size. The term draws on the animal's association with power, dominance, and physical presence. Bulls are often linked to gym culture and bodybuilding communities, and within gay male subcultures they may be admired for their physique and athletic dedication.

What is the origin and meaning of the word "bull"?

bull

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Silver fox describes an older man, usually considered attractive, with gray or silver hair. While the term is widely used in mainstream culture, it is also common in gay communities as a compliment for mature men who maintain a distinguished or appealing appearance. It conveys a mix of sophistication, experience, and continued sexual appeal, and is often used in dating contexts.

What is the origin and meaning of the phrase "silver fox"?

silver fox

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Twunk is a blend of "twink" and "hunk," referring to a young, slim gay man who also has a well-developed, muscular physique. The term describes someone who combines the youthful, stylish qualities of a twink with the athletic build of a hunk. It is often used in dating profiles, nightlife scenes, and casual conversation to indicate a mix of boyish charm and physical strength.

What is the origin and meaning of the word "twunk"?

twunk

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A platinum star gay is a humorous term for a gay man who was born via Caesarean section and therefore, as the joke goes, has never had contact with a vagina. It is a playful extension of the term "gold star gay," which refers to a gay man who has never had heterosexual intercourse. The phrase is generally used lightheartedly within the community.

What is the origin and meaning of the phrase "platinum star gay"?

platinum star gay

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Baby butch refers to a young or inexperienced lesbian who presents with a boyish or masculine appearance. The term is often used informally within lesbian communities to describe someone early in their exploration of butch identity or style. It can refer to both age and stage of self-expression, and is sometimes used affectionately by more experienced members of the community.

What is the origin and meaning of the phrase "baby butch"?

baby butch

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A bambi lesbian is a term used to describe a lesbian who prefers affectionate and sensual acts such as cuddling, hugging, kissing, and other forms of physical closeness over sexual activity. The name draws on the imagery of gentleness and innocence associated with the Disney character Bambi, suggesting a soft and tender approach to intimacy. While the term is often used lightheartedly within lesbian communities, it can also be descriptive of a genuine preference for emotional and romantic connection as the primary form of physical expression in a relationship.

What is the origin and meaning of the phrase "bambi lesbian"?

bambi lesbian

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In lesbian slang, bluff refers to a woman who combines both masculine and soft, gentle traits in her appearance or personality. The term is a blend of "butch" and "fluff," indicating a balance between toughness and tenderness. A bluff may present with masculine clothing or mannerisms while also embracing traditionally feminine qualities, creating a mixed or versatile gender expression. The label is used informally and can describe both style and demeanor.

What is the origin and meaning of the word "bluff"?

bluff

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Butch is a term for a lesbian who presents herself in a masculine way, often through clothing, hairstyle, body language, and social roles. The term originated in mid-20th-century lesbian bar culture and became a central identity in the butch–femme dynamic, where butch individuals were often paired with femme partners. Butch identity can be an important part of self-expression and community belonging, and it remains a visible and celebrated role in many LGBTQ spaces.

What is the origin and meaning of the word "butch"?

butch

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In this context, fluff refers to a lesbian who presents herself in a feminine way, often with soft or traditionally "girly" traits. The term is sometimes used playfully to contrast with "butch" and can describe both appearance and personality. In other contexts, "fluff" can also refer to light, affectionate, or romantic content in media, but within this slang usage it focuses on gender presentation.

What is the origin and meaning of the word "fluff"?

fluff

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Femme is a term for a lesbian who expresses herself in a traditionally feminine way. Borrowed from the French word for "woman," it became a recognized identity in mid-20th-century lesbian bar culture, often paired with "butch" in describing relationship dynamics. Femme identity can include clothing, makeup, and mannerisms associated with femininity, and it is embraced by many as a distinct and valid expression within queer culture.

What is the origin and meaning of the word "femme"?

femme

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Hasbian is a slang blend of "has-been" and "lesbian," referring to a woman who once identified as a lesbian but now identifies as heterosexual or bisexual. The term is often used humorously within LGBTQ circles, though it can be considered dismissive or derogatory depending on context. It is generally applied informally and is not considered a formal identity label.

What is the origin and meaning of the word "hasbian"?

hasbian

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Lipstick lesbian describes a lesbian or bisexual woman who presents herself in a traditionally feminine way, often wearing makeup, dresses, and other markers of femininity. The term gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s through media and pop culture, sometimes used to challenge stereotypes that all lesbians are masculine-presenting. While it can be used positively to celebrate diversity in appearance, it can also be used superficially to focus on looks rather than identity.

What is the origin and meaning of the phrase "lipstick lesbian"?

lipstick lesbian

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A stone butch is a very masculine-presenting lesbian, often one who prefers to give sexual pleasure rather than receive it. The term was popularized by Leslie Feinberg's 1993 novel Stone Butch Blues and is associated with specific sexual boundaries, emotional resilience, and a strong butch identity. Stone butches often have a distinct style and presence within lesbian communities, and the label can carry both cultural and personal significance.

What is the origin and meaning of the phrase "stone butch"?

stone butch

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Stud is a slang term that appeared in mid-20th-century English, particularly within African-American and Latinx LGBTQ+ communities, to describe a masculine queer woman. The word comes from the broader English use of stud for a strong, virile male or a breeding animal, and it was applied metaphorically to women who displayed traditionally masculine traits, confidence, or sexual assertiveness. Historically, it could be neutral or positive within queer communities, signaling pride and self-assurance, though outside those communities it could sometimes be misunderstood. Today it remains widely used and generally empowering within the cultural contexts where it originated.

What is the origin of the term "stud" and how is it used?

stud

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Soft butch refers to a lesbian who presents in a mostly masculine or androgynous way but retains some feminine traits. This style blends elements of butch presentation with softer or more traditionally feminine aspects, creating a balanced gender expression. Soft butches may wear clothing that mixes masculine and feminine styles and may shift their presentation depending on context.

What is the origin and meaning of the phrase "soft butch"?

soft butch

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Stemme is a blend of "stud" and "femme" used to describe a lesbian whose gender expression combines both masculine and feminine traits. The term is often used in Black and Latinx LGBTQ communities and can overlap with the concept of a "soft butch" or "futch." Stemme identity reflects versatility in style and presentation, and the label is used both descriptively and as a form of self-identification.

What is the origin and meaning of the word "stemme"?

stemme

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Here you will find slang related to gay and lesbian identities, capturing expressions and terms specific to these communities and their experiences.

English Slang for Gay & Lesbian Identities